The Bridger Ridge Run Trail...OF DOOM!: Photos 21 to 40

Two Mathematicians and a 10 year old Dog Go For A Very Long Walk...

...or at least that's how it started. It sounded like an innocent and splendid plan. A plan to hike the entire length of the Bridger Ridge Run hosted yearly in August by the local Bozeman Running Club, The Wind Drinkers. This is a 19.65 (the short way) or 20.55 (the long way) race across the knifes edge of the Bridger Mountain Range and traverses roughly 3 miles of ups and down along the ridge. This ridge is, as stated before, a barren knifes edge with hardly a tree in sight as high up as 9600 feet (Sacajawea Peak) to as low as, well, Bozeman (4800 feet). It runs along the top of 6 of the 8 peaks of the ridge, across steeply angled talus and shale ridden slippery slopes of doom and thru two beautiful alpine meadows. The views are amazing, the trials titillating, and the weather crazy and sometimes unpredictable (2005's August run was done in the snow). What convinced The Beagle/German Shepherd Mix Gauss, Shane, and Myself to do this incredible journey in one day? Well the weather was fairly pleasant that day...or so

Full Text Entry: The Bridger Ridge Run Trail...OF DOOM!

Wonderful narrative. It reminded me of my trip in October of 2006, when it was decidedly cooler that your hike in July. It was actually my 3rd attempt to hike the ridge. The tradeoff was that I nearly got blown off the ridge a few times in 40-MPH gusts. You were wise to get good directions in advance because there are 4 particular places where it is almost "natural" to make the wrong trail decision. So, for those attempting this trail for the first time, speak to someone who has hiked it before because otherwise, it will take you as many as 3 attempts (as it did me) to hike the ridge because you too can get hopelessly off course. Also, I believe (I could be worng, it's happened before) that the mountain above Ross Pass (and above Bridger Bowl) is not actually Bridger Peak. I believe the FOM Peak you refer to is actually called Bridger Peak. And, the decision you made to go left (on the most obvious path) is one of the 4 places I mentioned previously. It is actually a game trail that peters out. Another word of caution about bringing a dog. If your dog enjoys chasing wildlife, he/she may try to run after the mountain goats on the ridge. This could be a big mistake for your dog, since mountain goats will lead your dog over the gnarliest terrain you'd ever imagine. So, unless Fido is under voice control, leave him at home. Carrying enough water for yourself and for Fido (not water on the route at all) is almost impossible. Anyway, great writing, and a great adventure. Congrats!!!! Terry C

Terry you are absolutely right about the peak names I got them mixed up and I do distinctly remember the game trail and it is extremely easy to go down the wrong path! Thanks for reading and maybe I'll see you out on the trail! -Luke

Luke. Thanks - and happy hiking. So, the hiking ridge was my big accomplishment last year. Since I think it's important to announce your hiking goals early in the season (that way, your friends will nag you until you accomplish them) I'll announce them officially here. 1) Extend the usual hike to Hyalite Lake and go to the summit of Hyalite Peak. 2) Hike Alex Lowe Peak. Haven't been up there since it's been officially named. 3) The Elephant - see if there's an actual trail that lead up there from the Blackmore Saddle. 4) Ross Peak Summit - I understand finding the correct route is important. There, I've said it!! Terry C.

I just came across your tale of doom. Loved it - and with your permission would love to have it on our Bridger Ridge Run website. Can we do it? I know this is a year or 2 after the writing, so I hope you read this! (I'm the race director)

Wonderful narrative. It reminded me of my trip in October of 2006, when it was decidedly cooler that your hike in July. It was actually my 3rd attempt to hike the ridge. The tradeoff was that I nearly got blown off the ridge a few times in 40-MPH gusts. You were wise to get good directions in advance because there are 4 particular places where it is almost "natural" to make the wrong trail decision. So, for those attempting this trail for the first time, speak to someone who has hiked it before because otherwise, it will take you as many as 3 attempts (as it did me) to hike the ridge because you too can get hopelessly off course. Also, I believe (I could be worng, it's happened before) that the mountain above Ross Pass (and above Bridger Bowl) is not actually Bridger Peak. I believe the FOM Peak you refer to is actually called Bridger Peak. And, the decision you made to go left (on the most obvious path) is one of the 4 places I mentioned previously. It is actually a game trail that peters out. Another word of caution about bringing a dog. If your dog enjoys chasing wildlife, he/she may try to run after the mountain goats on the ridge. This could be a big mistake for your dog, since mountain goats will lead your dog over the gnarliest terrain you'd ever imagine. So, unless Fido is under voice control, leave him at home. Carrying enough water for yourself and for Fido (not water on the route at all) is almost impossible. Anyway, great writing, and a great adventure. Congrats!!!! Terry C

Terry you are absolutely right about the peak names I got them mixed up and I do distinctly remember the game trail and it is extremely easy to go down the wrong path! Thanks for reading and maybe I'll see you out on the trail! -Luke

Luke. Thanks - and happy hiking. So, the hiking ridge was my big accomplishment last year. Since I think it's important to announce your hiking goals early in the season (that way, your friends will nag you until you accomplish them) I'll announce them officially here. 1) Extend the usual hike to Hyalite Lake and go to the summit of Hyalite Peak. 2) Hike Alex Lowe Peak. Haven't been up there since it's been officially named. 3) The Elephant - see if there's an actual trail that lead up there from the Blackmore Saddle. 4) Ross Peak Summit - I understand finding the correct route is important. There, I've said it!! Terry C.

I just came across your tale of doom. Loved it - and with your permission would love to have it on our Bridger Ridge Run website. Can we do it? I know this is a year or 2 after the writing, so I hope you read this! (I'm the race director)